Yes, You Are ‘Well Adjusted’: But Broken!
In the contemporary era, the notion of being 'well adjusted' is often hailed as an emblem of personal maturity and psychological well-being. However, delving deeper into this concept reveals a stark contradiction. The modern definition of being ‘well adjusted’ tends to align with conforming to a societal framework that thrives on the principles of competition, individual gain, and a scarcity-driven consumerist mentality. These very principles, arguably, foster a culture that veers individuals away from collective welfare and holistic personal development, nurturing instead traits of greed, self-centeredness, and insensitivity towards broader societal concerns.
The words of philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti provide a profound insight into this dilemma. Krishnamurti challenges the premise of adjusting to a society which, by its inherent design, perpetuates conflict, inequality, and a relentless pursuit of material wealth. He posits, “Is society healthy, that an individual should return to it? Has not society itself helped to make the individual unhealthy?” This rhetorical inquiry lays bare the paradox of striving to be well-adjusted in a fundamentally maladjusted societal structure.
The societal paradigm that champions survival of the fittest inadvertently glorifies a race to the pinnacle of material success, often at the cost of ethical considerations and humane values. This competition-driven ethos not only shapes individuals to be self-serving but also instils a perpetual sense of scarcity and inadequacy. The endless quest for more - more wealth, more status, more possessions - turns into a Sisyphean journey that seldom leads to genuine contentment or communal harmony.
'Adjusting' to All the Wrong Measures of Success
Moreover, the modern worldview tends to measure success and worthiness through the lens of material accumulation and social standing, subtly coercing individuals to internalise these values. This internalisation, in turn, manifests in behaviours that are geared towards personal gain rather than collective welfare. The dichotomy of being ‘well-adjusted’ in such a milieu, thus, reflects a deeper crisis of conforming to a system that is inherently discordant with the essence of human empathy and communal well-being.
Krishnamurti further critiques the role of psychologists and analysts in this schema, who, he suggests, often aim to mould individuals to fit into this discordant social structure rather than questioning the health of the society itself. He states, “To help the individual to fit into a society which is ever at war with itself – is this what psychologists and analysts are supposed to do?” This poignant observation beckons a reevaluation of the notion of adjustment and the societal norms that dictate it.
The modern concept of being 'well-adjusted' is ensnared in a paradox. While on the surface, it denotes a sense of psychological stability and social conformity, a deeper scrutiny reveals it as a veiled endorsement of a system that perpetuates self-centeredness, materialism, and a disconnect from broader societal issues. The discourse around adjustment, therefore, warrants a broader examination, one that transcends the superficial and delves into the underpinning societal values and their implications on individual and collective well-being.
Becoming ‘Unadjusted’
Continuing from the discourse on the paradox of adjustment, it's imperative to explore the pathways that may lead us towards becoming 'unadjusted' to the prevailing modern worldview. By deliberately choosing to step away from the entrenched norms of competition and materialism, individuals can embark on a journey towards enhanced well-being and a more harmonious societal fabric.
Mindfulness and Reflection: One of the first steps towards becoming 'unadjusted' involves fostering a deeper self-awareness and critical reflection on the existing societal norms. Mindfulness practices can aid individuals in developing a more profound understanding of the impact of external influences on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, thus creating a space for intentional deviation from harmful societal norms.
2. Community and Collaboration: Transitioning from an individualistic to a more communal and collaborative approach can significantly contribute to breaking free from the modern worldview's shackles. By fostering a sense of community and promoting collaborative efforts, individuals can experience a sense of belonging and mutual support that transcends the superficiality of materialistic pursuits.
3. Sustainable Living: Adopting a lifestyle centred around sustainability and ethical consumption can act as a rebellion against consumerism. By prioritising needs over wants and making environmentally conscious choices, individuals can challenge the prevailing narrative of incessant consumption and material accumulation.
4. Holistic Education: Reimagining education to encompass a holistic development approach, including emotional intelligence, empathy, and critical thinking, can significantly contribute to nurturing individuals capable of challenging the status quo. A well-rounded education can lay the foundation for questioning and ultimately altering the existing societal norms.
5. Promoting Alternative Economic Models: Supporting and engaging in alternative economic models like cooperatives, social enterprises, and other community-based economic systems can provide tangible avenues for moving away from the cutthroat competition inherent in mainstream capitalist structures.
6. Engaging in Social Activism: Actively participating in social activism to challenge and change the existing systemic issues can also be a powerful way to become 'unadjusted'. By voicing dissent against injustices and working towards societal change, individuals can cultivate a sense of purpose and collective action that goes beyond self-centred ambitions.
7. Self-compassion and Kindness: Cultivating self-compassion and extending kindness towards others can act as antidotes to the hardened self-centric attitudes fostered by modern society. These practices encourage a more empathetic and humane interaction with oneself and the wider community.
8. Lifelong Learning and Open-mindedness: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and maintaining an open mind towards alternative worldviews can further facilitate the process of becoming 'unadjusted'. By continually challenging one's beliefs and staying open to new ideas, individuals can break free from the rigid frameworks imposed by the modern worldview.
These suggested pathways are by no means exhaustive but offer a glimpse into the myriad ways individuals and communities can challenge the prevailing narrative of being 'well adjusted' to a flawed societal system. In doing so, they pave the way towards nurturing a more empathetic, collaborative, and socially conscious society that prioritises collective well-being over individual material success.